Friendly Environment Policy

The central goal of a conference is to encourage the open exchange of
ideas through free expression. This requires an environment that
enables all to participate without fear of harassment.

We specifically define harassment as unwelcome or hostile behavior of
an ad hominem nature, i.e., that focuses not on ideas but on people
and identity. The ACM's anti-harassment
policy lists a variety of
specific unacceptable factors and behaviors. A response that the
participant was “just joking,” or “teasing,” or being “playful,” will
not be accepted.

Anyone witnessing or subject to unacceptable behavior should notify a
conference committee member.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the conference [with no refund].

[The wording of this policy is directly derived from that of the ACM,
with thanks.]